Turning $5,000 into $50,000 sounds like a dream, but every big return starts with a smart investment. In this case, Canadian artificial intelligence (AI) stocks may hold the key. While AI is still gaining traction across industries, some homegrown companies are already using it in meaningful ways. Two standout names that could deliver massive long-term upside are WELL Health Technologies (TSX:WELL) and Topicus.com (TSXV:TOI). Both AI stocks have built strong business models that include AI-driven strategies. Plus, both are still early enough in their growth story to offer big potential over the next decade.
WELL Health
Let’s start with WELL Health. WELL isn’t a household name, but it’s quickly becoming a leader in tech-enabled healthcare. It supports thousands of clinics and practitioners through its digital health platform, and it’s started integrating AI to help improve patient care and reduce costs. In the AI stock’s most recent earnings report, WELL delivered record revenue of $294.1 million in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, up 32% year over year. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) came in at $27.6 million, which was a 36% increase. Net income was $7.5 million, a number that would’ve been higher without a one-time revenue deferral related to its U.S. subsidiary Circle Medical.
The AI stock is also ramping up its AI focus. Its acquisition of HEALWELL AI, which is focused entirely on clinical decision support using AI, is expected to add significant recurring revenue beginning in Q2 2025. Management anticipates around $40 million in quarterly revenue will start coming in from this AI platform alone. That could mark a major turning point for WELL, helping it move from being seen as just a telehealth provider to an AI-first healthcare data company.
The other exciting element of WELL’s story is its strong free cash flow. WELL reported $11.8 million in free cash flow in Q1, which shows that even during a high-growth phase, it’s managing its costs. It’s also buying back shares, another sign that the AI stock believes in its long-term value. All of this adds up to a company that’s actively using AI, growing rapidly, and committed to shareholder value.
Topicus
Now shift to Topicus.com, an AI stock that is much quieter but no less impressive. Topicus is a spinoff of Constellation Software and focuses on acquiring and running vertical market software businesses, mostly in Europe. These are niche firms serving specific industries, and many are already using machine learning or automation in their products. Topicus doesn’t build AI tools directly, but it does own companies that use AI in fields like finance, government, and healthcare.
In Q1 2025, Topicus reported normalized earnings per share of $0.89, up from $0.70 the year before. Its generally accepted accounting practices (GAAP) earnings per share (EPS) were $0.47. Revenue increased by double digits, driven by both organic growth and acquisitions. The AI stock is known for its ability to generate free cash flow, which it then uses to buy more businesses, many of which fit neatly into the AI and data-driven software world.
The AI stock trades at a premium, currently around $165 per share, with a market cap of about $13.7 billion. While it may seem pricey, Topicus has a long runway for growth. It’s still early in its life as a public company and operates under the same playbook that made Constellation Software one of the best-performing Canadian stocks of the past two decades. If Topicus can compound earnings at even a fraction of that rate, a $2,500 investment could grow substantially in just a few years.
Bottom line
Neither of these AI stocks will shoot up overnight. Both require time to scale their business models and deepen their use of AI. But with WELL’s focus on healthcare innovation and Topicus’ ability to acquire and grow profitable tech businesses, each brings something valuable to the table. If AI adoption continues to expand and these companies stay focused, that initial $5,000 could turn into something much more.
